Kaminski Auctions’ Fine Art and Estates Auction, which took place February 28 and March 1, 2009, attracted bidders both locally in Massachusetts and internationally via phone and live online bidding. The auction offered a wide selection of fine art, antiques and collectibles, highlighted by a first-rate selection of fine art once owned by late newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Featured consignments hailed from estates spanning Massachusetts to Kaminski’s second location in California. (All prices reflect a 15% buyers premium)
The most anticipated lot of the sale, a Bellini School depiction of the Annunciation, did not disappoint. An oil on canvas once owned by William Randolph Hearst, the painting boasts a detailed exhibition history. With previous showings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., this piece garnered significant attention from bidders. The painting realized a final price of $40,250 after a feverish volley of bidding.
Additional fine art highlights included a 15th Century Italian portrait of a Madonna. The piece is housed in an arched frame with cartouche, measuring 13.25 x 7.5 inches. Originally estimated $2,000-$4,000, the painting astonished auction-goers when it reached a final price of $9,775.
An 18th Century Madonna and Child, represented in painted terra cotta, also inspired paddles to fly at this exciting auction. The sculpture is set in a tabernacle frame measuring 37.5h x 30.5w x 6.25d inches. An enticing consignment, the lot sold for $14,087, exceeding its high estimate by almost $10,000.
Furniture was also in high demand at this exciting two-day auction. A rare 18th Century Queen Anne highboy wowed bidders, climbing to an impressive $24,150. Connoisseurs of early American furnishings also jumped at the chance to take home an 18th Century New England tiger maple tall chest, which sold well above its original estimate at $6,325.
The surprise lot of the day was a Chinese carved horn vessel. The piece boasts an intricately carved design, depicting scholars seated under a blooming tree. The vessel, originally estimated $250-$350, drew the attention of both floor and Internet bidders and reached a remarkable $4,715.
“It was a distinct pleasure to offer so many rare and valuable pieces, once owned by one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time,” comments Frank Kaminski. “We always look forward to working with new clients and can accept consignments in any quantity, from a single piece to an entire estate.”
About Kaminski Auctions
Kaminski Auctions, headed by Frank Kaminski, specializes in appraising and auctioning fine art and antiques. As part of a complete estate service package, Kaminski provides expert appraisals, local and national advertising for all sales, competitive fees, and itemized accounting of all transactions for heirs and representatives. In addition to full estate auctions, Kaminski accepts partial estate liquidations, as well as individual pieces and collections for consignment. The firm’s extensive clientele includes museums, historical societies, corporations, non-profit organizations and private individuals. In early 2007, Kaminski launched a second operation in San Diego, California. For information, visit www.KaminskiAuctions.com or call 978-927-2223.
